The Portuguese coach named his 25-man roster before travelling to a training camp in Austria.

Santos named veteran strikers and several young players on the squad, including Bundesliga players Costas Fortounis, 19, and Kyriakos Papadopoulos, 20, as well as Greece-based Yiannis Fetfatzidis, 21, and Sotiris Ninis, 22.

"I'm counting on (Ninis) up front. He's an attack-minded player and has skills that others lack," Santos told a news conference.

"We can play him on the left and right, he's good one-on-one with opponents, and he's versatile."

Santos omitted seasoned Panathinaikos defenders Nikos Spyropoulos and Loukas Vyntra from the squad.

Greece will play Armenia and Slovenia in friendly matches this month before taking on co-host Poland, Russia and Czech Republic in Group A at the European championship in June.

Greece topped its qualifying group unbeaten, winning seven of its 10 matches and pushing Croatia to the playoffs.

Thirty-six-year-old striker Nikos Lymberopoulos of AEK Athens is in the squad after scoring seven league goals. Lymberopoulos is joined by 31-year-old Theofanis Gekas, who has played for Turkish club Samsunspor this season.

Celtic striker Georgios Samaras also kept his place on the national squad despite scoring just one goal in eight qualifying appearances.

"I tried to strike a balance," Santos said. "I had trouble with selecting the goalkeepers and a few other positions.

"In some cases, it was down to how well they know the national team. "

Two of the players will be dropped when the final squad is announced and Santos said he'll make the decision on who to leave behind after the Austria camp.

"Obviously that will be difficult. But I am paid to make difficult decisions," he said.

Greece preliminary squad is:

Goalkeepers: Michalis Sifakis (Aris), Kostas Chalkias (PAOK), Alexandros Tzorvas (Palermo).

Defenders: Vassilis Torossidis (Olympiacos), Kyriakos Papadopoulos (Schalke), Sokratis Papastathopoulos (Werder Bremen), Avraam Papadopoulos (Olympiacos), Jose Holebas (Olympiacos), Giorgos Tzavellas (Monaco), Stelios Malezas (PAOK).

Midfielders: Kostas Katsouranis (Panathinaikos), Giorgos Karagounis (Panathinaikos), Giannis Maniatis (Olympiacos), Giorgos Fotakis (PAOK), Grigoris Makos (AEK), Giannis Fetfatzidis (Olympiacos), Sotiris Ninis (Panathinaikos), Alexandros Tziolis (Monaco), Kostas Fortounis (Kaiserslautern), Panagiotis Kone (Bologna).

Forwards: Dimitris Salpingidis (PAOK), Giorgos Samaras (Celtic), Theofanis Gekas (Samsunspor), Nikos Liberopoulos (AEK), Kostas Mitroglou (Atromitos).

It limped out of Euro 2008 with three straight losses, followed by a disappointing World Cup campaign in South Africa two years later.

But this northern summer, Greece heads to Poland with a measure of optimism before the tournament's opening match against the co-hosts on June 8 - having lost just one of its last 19 games played under coach Fernando Santos.

The country is in sore need of some respite, suffering through a financial crisis that has thrown many Greeks into poverty and another bad year for professional football, marred by fan violence and bribery scandals.

Santos says he is mindful that Greeks are eager to hear some good news.

"The fans should know that their national team will go to Euro 2012 for the best possible result," the Portuguese coach said while watching the Greek Cup final last month. "Greeks have a passion for football and I know my players will be determined. We have some problems but that's no excuse. We are not going for a holiday."

Shortly after Greece qualified for Euro 2012, national team players handed out meals at a central Athens soup kitchen to give a pre-Christmas boost to a charity drive by the Orthodox Church.

"We see people next to us struggling to make it," Greece goalkeeper Costas Halkias said. "We know they need our help."

The 57-year-old Santos took over as national coach two years ago, maintaining the team's strength as hardworking defenders, while gambling on talented young players, some who even had difficulty getting match time at their clubs.

A veteran Greek league coach, Santos came up with a blend of risk and caution that proved successful: Greece topped its qualifying group unbeaten, bumping Croatia to the playoffs after winning seven of its 10 matches.

Greece, however, remains a low-scoring team with few standouts. Eleven players provided its 14 qualifying goals, fewer than half of them coming from strikers.

Santos has moved away from the principles followed by German predecessor Otto Rehhagel, who used experienced players to stunning effect in 2004 and kept Greece present at major tournaments, but ultimately saw his side become too predictable.

In Euro 2012 qualifying, Santos' gambles were rewarded. Schalke defender Kyriakos Papadopoulos scored on his debut against Malta last June at 19 and added another in Latvia three months later.

And talented winger Yiannis Fetfatzidis, 21, also repaid the coach with two goals, picked for his country despite spending long spells on the bench at Olympiakos.

Through qualification, Greece never forgot its winning formula: make it hard for opponents to score. They conceded five goals en route to Poland and Ukraine, finding safety in Olympiakos captain Vassilis Torosidis and the quietly effective Sokratis Papastathopoulos of Werder Bremen.

"It's very important to keep the team solid - not to have leaks," Santos said before a friendly against Belgium in February that ended 1-1.

"An understanding of team tactics is also a factor (in selection). If we had a player like (Lionel) Messi, it wouldn't matter if he knew anything about tactics, because he's so talented. But we don't ... so I'm looking for players who make the team stronger as a whole."

FIFA's message was issued less than four months before Greece is scheduled to play in the opening match of the European Championship being hosted by Poland and Ukraine.

Football's world governing body moved to protect its Greek member federation (EPO), which had complained about new legislation affecting its freedom to manage its own affairs.

FIFA said it has asked football officials to alert lawmakers of "discrepancies" between the bill and the sport's rules.

The Greek body was advised "to inform the relevant authorities that, should the bill include binding regulations in contradiction with the FIFA Statutes, FIFA will have to refer the case to the relevant FIFA bodies with all potential adverse consequences," the governing body said in a statement.

A suspension, though unlikely at this stage, could affect the 2004 European champion taking part at Euro 2012.

Greece is scheduled to face co-host Poland in the opening match on June 8 in Warsaw. Their group includes the Czech Republic and Russia.

In 2006, Greece was briefly suspended by FIFA over a similar dispute, which forced the government to amend legislation.

The federation is sending FIFA details of the new legislation that gives expanded powers to a state-controlled sporting oversight committee, along with transcripts that it said include "abusive language" used by lawmakers against football officials.

The government argues the provisions are necessary to clean up professional leagues, amid an ongoing investigation into match-fixing scandals.

An 85th-minute Vilmos Vanczak own goal sealed Poland's success while 10-man Ukraine left it even later as substitute Marko Devic netted in injury-time.

Ukraine led through Artem Milevskiy (17) but a win looked beyond it when Austria's Marko Arnautovic (71) equalised and Oleksandr Kucher was sent off 10 minutes from the end.

Greece's 17-game unbeaten run came crashing to an end as it went down 3-1 at home to Romania.

Giorgos Karagounis (33) had cancelled out Gabriel Torje's 17th-minute opener, but the Romanians won thanks to strikes from Cristian Tanase (60) and Alexsandru Chipciu (81).

Three first-half goals helped the United States to a 3-2 win against Slovenia.

Edson Buddle, Clint Dempsey and Jozy Altidore (penalty) netted before the break while Tim Matavz scored both goals for the host.

FYR Macedonia and Albania fought out a goalless draw.

Denmark came from behind to beat Finland 2-1 while Serbia lost 2-0 away to Honduras.

Ipswich Town striker Tamas Priskin scored a first-half brace before goals by Balazs Dzsudzsak, Vladimir Koman and Robert Feczesin finished the rout.

Germany came from behind to claim a 3-3 draw against Ukraine at the newly-renovated Olympic Stadium in Kiev.

Andriy Yarmolenko and Yevhen Konoplyanka put the home side 2-0 up at the Euro 2012 final venue, before Toni Kroos pulled one back for Germany in the 38th minute.

Serhiy Nazarenko scored the Ukraine's third on the stroke of half-time but goals by Simon Rolfes and Thomas Muller gave Germany a draw.

Elsewhere, Denmark beat Sweden 2-0 thanks to goals by Nicklas Bendtner and Michael Krohn-Delhi.

Bendtner, who is currently on loan at Sunderland from Arsenal, opened the scoring in the 34th minute before Krohn-Delhi sealed the win 10 minutes before the final whistle.

Scotland beat Cyprus 2-1 at the Antonis Papadopoulos Stadium in Larnaca.

Kenny Miller opened the scoring with a superb volley in the 24th minute before Jamie Mackie fired his second international goal.

Dimitris Christofi pulled one back for Cyprus when he lashed his shot into the corner three minutes later but it was not enough as Craig Levein's side held on for the win.

A Razvan Cocis own goal handed Belgium a 2-1 win over Romania at the Koning Boudewijn Stadion.

Belgium defender Daniel van Buyten scored the opener in the 11th minute and Cocis doubled the home side's lead two minutes before half-time with an own goal.

Daniel Niculae pulled one back for Romania in the 65th minute and Razvan Rat missed a penalty two minutes before the end which would have earned his side a draw.

Greece held Russia to a 1-1 draw at the Karaiskakis Stadium after Alan Dzagoev's second-minute goal was cancelled out by Kostas Katsouranis's 59th-minute effort.

Georgia beat Moldova 2-0 thanks to a first-half goal by Otar Martsvaladze and Jano Ananidze's penalty.

Both sides were reduced to 10 men in the 76th minute when Aleqsandr Kobakhidze and Moldova's Igor Armas were sent off.

In other results, Azerbaijan beat Albania 1-0, Burkina Faso drew 1-1 against Mali and Cameroon beat Sudan 3-1.

Greece edged Georgia 2-1 away while Russia had no problem in disposing of Andorra 6-0 to top their respective groups.

An increasingly impressive Germany romped to a 3-1 win over a promising Belgian side, which was bidding to become the first Belgium side to win on German soil since a 1983 victory over East Germany.

Goals by Mesut Ozil, Andre Schuerrle and Mario Gomez for already qualified Germany put paid to the Belgians hopes of the win that would send them into the runners-up play-offs - Turkey's 1-0 win at home to Azerbaijan confirmed they would finish second.

Greece confirmed its place in the finals after two late goals saw it come from 1-0 down to beat Georgia.

Croatia has to be content with a play-off place despite beating Latvia 2-0, its 2-0 away defeat by Greece last Friday proving decisive.

Russia was never likely to succumb to an Andorran side that had not mustered a point and scored just one goal in the qualifiers and it duly cruised through.

A brace by rising 21-year-old CSKA Moscow star Alan Dzagoev the feature of the rout.

In Dublin a Valeri Aleksanyan own goal and a Richard Dunne strike had looked to have put the Republic of Ireland out of sight of Armenia but it had to endure a nervy last half hour after Henrik Mkhitaryan reduced the deficit.

Kevin Doyle's red card five minutes from time did not help Irish nerves but the home side held on to secure its win.

The Greek players started the night knowing a win was almost essential in their penultimate match in the group, with the Croatians enjoying a one-point lead.

Samaras struck in the 71st minute and Gekas added the second eight minutes later to leave Greece knowing a point in its final group game in Georgia next week will be enough. Latvia beat Malta 2-0 in the other Group F game.

Belgium wrested control of the race for a play-off place in Group A with a 4-1 win over Kazakhstan in Brussels, while rival Turkey was sent crashing 3-1 by group winners Germany in Istanbul.

Timmy Simons, Eden Hazard, Vincent Kompany and Vitaly Yevstigneev's late own goal gave Belgium a 4-0 lead, but in order to guarantee their play-off spot Georges Leekens' men must now win in Germany.

Turkey, which has a home game against Azerbaijan, went down to strikes from Mario Gomez and Thomas Muller. Hakan Balta pulled one back before Bastian Schweinsteiger settled matters with an 86th-minute penalty.

Belgium's win eliminated Austria, despite its 4-1 win in Azerbaijan.

The Netherlands was made to work harder than expected to extend its 100% record to nine games in Group E, Klaas Jan Huntelaar scoring the only goal of the game in the 40th minute at home to group minnows Moldova.

Sweden effectively guaranteed the runner-up slot with a 2-1 win over Finland in Helsinki, Sebastian Larsson's early strike setting the Swedes on their way and Martin Olsson adding a second before Joona Toivio's late consolation.

In Group D, Bosnia set up a winner-takes-all clash with France in Paris after a 5-0 win over Luxembourg in Zenica, while the French cantered to an equally convincing 3-0 triumph against Albania.

Goals from Florent Malouda, Loic Remy and substitute Anthony Reveillere meant the French go into the final group fixture with a one-point advantage - but also with memories of plenty of previous last-gasp qualifying disappointments.

In the other Group D fixture, Romania saw its slim play-off hopes disappear in a disappointing 2-2 draw with Belarus in Bucharest.

Spain maintained its 100% record in Group I with Juan Mata and Xabi Alonso scoring in a 2-0 win over the Czech Republic in Prague, a win that keeps Scotland's slim play-off hopes alive.

Scotland knows wins from its final two matches will guarantee second place - but its last match is against Spain in Alicante. The Czechs' final game is a trip to Lithuania next week.

Branislav Ivanovic cancelled out Claudio Marchisio's early strike as Serbia secured a potentially vital point in Group C with a 1-1 draw against Italy in Belgrade.

Estonia went second as it completed their fixtures with two Konstantin Vassiljev goals giving it a 2-1 win in Northern Ireland - but a point for Serbia in its final match in Slovenia next week will be enough to earn a play-off place.

Ashley Young and Darren Bent scored early as England secured qualification from Group G, but only after opponent Montenegro had battled back to claim a 2-2 draw with Andrija Delibasic's injury-time equaliser.

Delibasic's goal, which came after Wayne Rooney was needlessly sent off, was enough for the Montenegrins to make sure of a play-off place after rival Switzerland fell to goals from Aaron Ramsey and Gareth Bale in a 2-0 defeat in Wales.

Russia all but wrapped up qualification from Group B as Alan Dzagoev scored the only goal of the game against Slovakia in Zilina. Victory at home to Andorra on Tuesday (Wednesday AEST) will secure the Russians' place in the finals.

The Republic of Ireland will fight it out with Armenia for the play-off place in Dublin after both won their penultimate matches.

A draw will be good enough for Ireland, for whom Kevin Doyle and Aiden McGeady scored in a 2-0 win in Andorra, but Armenia will travel full of confidence after a thumping 4-1 home win over Macedonia.

Portugal and Denmark will play off for qualification from Group H in Copenhagen next Tuesday (Wednesday AEDT) after the former beat Iceland 5-3 in Porto.

The home side was coasting at 3-0 thanks to an early double from Nani and a third from Helder Postiga, but Aron Gunnarsson and Hallgrimur Jonasson scored in the second half to reduce the deficit.

Late strikes from Joao Moutinho and Eliseu finally secured victory, before Birkir Bjarnason's injury-time penalty.

Portugal will go to the Danish capital knowing a draw will be enough but Denmark will be brimming with confidence after a 4-1 win in Cyprus, in which veteran winger Dennis Rommedahl scored twice.

"We have two qualifiers left, and it's our plan to return from Greece ... with our place secured at the tournament in Poland and Ukraine," Bilic said. "We will be under less pressure because we don't have to chase victory."

Croatia leads Group F with 19 points, one more than Greece. Both teams have two matches remaining. In the day's other group match, Latvia hosts Malta.

But the qualifying spot has come down to Croatia and Greece, with the runner-up guaranteed of at least a play-off berth.

"It won't be easy at all," Bilic said of the Euro 2004 champion. "Greece has been at a high level in European football for a decade and we are aware of their quality."

Croatia overtook Greece as leader of the group after a 3-1 win in Israel on 6 September, while the Greeks were held to a 1-1 draw in Latvia and slipped a point behind.

Bilic left out Bayern Munich striker Ivica Olic, who has not fully recovered from a hip injury, while Bundesliga team-mate Danijel Pranjic was dropped due to his recent lack of match time.

Bilic's biggest worry is the absence of captain Darijo Srna, who will miss the Greece game through suspension.

Rangers striker Nikica Jelavic has scored four goals in the Scottish Premier League this season, but has yet to find the net for his country in five qualifiers.

Croatia was held to a 0-0 draw by Greece in Zagreb last year, keeping the balanced record between the two countries.

Greece coach Fernando Santos is missing talented midfielder Sotiris Ninis, who is expected to be out for up to six months with a knee injury he picked up after scoring the winning away goal against Israel on 2 September.

Yiannis Fetfatzidis, an emerging talent and attacking midfielder, is also injured.

Last week, Santos recalled veteran strikers Angelos Charisteas and Fanis Gekas, after the latter publicly apologised for quitting the national team a year ago when he cited animosity with team-mates.

Santos - unbeaten in the Euro 2012 qualifying - said he was has happy to have more experienced players for the big game.

"We'd always said that the two qualifiers against Croatia would be our most important games, and this will definitely not be an easy game," the 56-year-old Portuguese coach said. "But the only result we are looking for is a win. We don't want to place our fate in Croatia's hands in the last game."

Santos also expressed confidence in Celtic striker Georgios Samaras, who has been mired in a scoring drought for his club and country.

"Samaras has never really displayed all the talent he has. It would be good to see this happen because he is a gifted player," Santos said. "This would be a great moment for Samaras to show us what he's got. He has goals saved up that he hasn't scored."

Two other youths, aged 19 and 21, were sent to hospital with stab wounds that were not life-threatening.

Police say the clashes involved at least 30 people and occurred early Monday at the island's main town of Iraklio between fans of Cretan top division club OFI and Irodotos, a small local team.

Four youths have been arrested in connection with the clashes and another two have been detained for questioning, according to a police statement.

Ninis sustained serious knee ligament damage after scoring the decisive goal in last week's 1-0 win over Israel and is expected to be sidelined for six months.

The 21-year-old's strike on the hour earned the Greeks three points from the clash in Tel Aviv to maintain a one-point lead at the pool summit.

Another away win would guarantee at least a runners-up berth, and Greece coach Fernando Santos urged his team to pick up another three points to ensure their hard work in Israel was not in vain.

"It was an important win for us, but it will mean nothing if we fail to win against Latvia," the Portuguese said.

"Our win dented Israel's chances, but their chances have not disappeared totally."

Greece's two rivals for top spot, Croatia and Israel, go head to head in Zagreb with the visitor knowing failure to win would spell the end of its hopes of reaching Poland and Ukraine.

The Israelis head into their penultimate qualifier four points behind Greece and three adrift of second-placed Croatia - with inferior head-to-head records against both, although that could change against the latter.

Israel will be without midfield duo Almog Cohen and Bebras Nacho through suspension.

Despite the setback against Greece, Luis Fernandez remains proud of his players.

"We have many young players and we're getting somewhere," he said. "When there is a new generation developing around the old, the new have to learn.

"We lacked a goal and were unable to find a solution to it. But I'm not disappointed in the players. The players never let me down and I'm always proud of them."

Croatia coach Slaven Bilic is confident his side can overtake Greece at the summit despite trailing with three games to go.

"I think we can win [tomorrow] and then win against Greece away [next month]," he said, before warning that Israel should not be under-estimated.

"They are motivated. They want to make amends for the defeat against Greece."

Also in Group F, Malta will be looking to pick up its first points of the campaign when it takes on fourth-placed Georgia in Ta' Qali.

The scandal erupted last week but took a further twist on Monday when the widely-circulated Athens daily newspaper Ta Nea reported that a new match-fixing case may involve the Greek national team.

Ta Nea said that judicial authorities are looking into this new case which it said involved individuals who have been named in a previous case and some new names as well.

The newspaper said it was informed that phone conversations out of Thessaloniki involve a number of football officials, including Super League club owners and referees, and that 'even the national team does not escape from the conversations'.

But Pilavios denies that the national team is involved.

"The involvement of the national team in this case is based on erroneous information," Pilavios said in a statement.

He added that the Greek team had achieved successes in the past due to the high performances of the players and coaches and that 'nothing that can be considered guilty in any way has come to my perception'.

International defender Avraam Papadopoulos, however, was named on Friday in a list of individuals connected with the ongoing investigation.

The Olympiacos defender, who played for Greece at last year's World Cup and is a regular in the national team, was one of 68 people named by the Athens First Instance Court Prosecutor, Eleni Raikou.

Judicial authorities have named a total of 83 individuals who have been implicated in the scandal.

Greek Super League president and owner of Greek champion Olympiacos, Vangelis Marinakis is also on the list, accused of working with a criminal gang and taking part in bribery to fix the outcome of matches.

Marinakis is likely to face a vote of no confidence when the Super League committee meets on Tuesday.

Over the weekend Panos Bitsaxis, the General Secretary for Sports, called on Marinakis to resign from the chair of the Super League. He also said that it is possible that the new league championship may not start on time.

Greek judicial authorities began the investigation after a list of 41 suspicious matches was submitted to the country's football federation by European football's ruling body UEFA.

The list included two matches from the Super League and many from the second division.

According to reports in the Greek media on Saturday, the prosecutor has added another 13 matches to the list, including the Athens derby between Olympiacos and main rival Panathinaikos on 19 February.

Ta Nea headlined on its front page: "They even fixed matches of the national team" and reported that phone conversations out of Salonica involve a number of football officials, including Super League club owners and referees, and that "even the national team does not escape from the conversations."

The newspaper said judicial authorities are looking into this new case which it said involved individuals who have been named in a previous case and some new names as well.

Greece has been rocked the past few days with judicial authorities naming 83 individuals for being involved in an ongoing investigation into match-fixing in top Greek leagues.

On Monday many of those accused have been parading before the prosecutor to counter felony charges they face such as involvement in criminal activities, fraud, extortion, money laundering, illegal gambling and illegal possession of firearms.

Greece international defender Avraam Papadopoulos, Greek champion Olympiakos Piraeus owner Vangelis Marinakis and Greece under-21 national coach Giorgos Georgiadis are among those who face prosecution in the case.

A crowd of over 21,000 witnessed the surprise result on neutral territory in Belgium, as Keith Andrews and Simon Cox got the goals for the Republic.

Blackburn Rovers midfielder Andrews' sweet 36th-minute strike and a close-range finish from substitute Cox late on secured a fourth successive win for the Republic and extended Trapattoni's unbeaten record against the team he once coached to three games.

Austria came from 1-0 down to beat Latvia 3-1 in Graz, ending a run of five straight defeats.

Pavels Mihadjuks put Latvia ahead in the 49th minute, but Austria finished the match strongly, levelling with 15 minutes remaining when young defender Christopher Dibon headed in before Martin Harnik netted a late double, the second a penalty.

The game finished shamefully for Latvia, which had three men sent off in the late stages.

Mihadjuks was dismissed after a second bookable offence in the 88th minute, and Andris Vanins and Oskars Klava both saw red before the final whistle.

Norway secured a 1-0 home win over Lithuania, with Blackburn winger Morten Gamst Pedersen the match-winner.

Pedersen netted in the 84th minute, volleying in from close range after his penalty was parried.

Russia and Cameroon played out a goalless draw in their friendly, staged in Salzburg.

Elsewhere, Paraguay shared a goalless draw with Bolivia.

And Ecuador and Greece drew 1-1 at Citi Field, the home of New York Mets.

Defender Frickson Erazo got the equaliser for Ecuador after 58 minutes, after Alexandros Tziolis' 15th-minute opener.

Dick Advocaat's side remains level on points with the Republic of Ireland and Slovakia, who both also won.

Russia's result was more convincing than its performance.

Marcos Pizelli put the visitor ahead after 25 minutes before Pavlyuchenko took centre stage, the striker equalising almost immediately with a volley before making it 2-1 from close range on the hour mark and adding another with a 73rd-minute penalty.

"We are really satisfied with the result," Russia coach Dick Advocaat told AP afterwards.

"It was a must-win for us today. We were nervous and had problems in the (midfield). We have won, but we must improve our game."

Armenia coach Vardan Minasyan said: "Pavlyuchenko scored both his goals when he was left unmarked in the box. It was our mistake."

Slovakia edged out Andorra 1-0 in Bratislava. Miroslav Karhan got the only goal in the 63rd minute as Slovakia was largely frustrated by the group's whipping boy but did enough to take the three points.

Robbie Keane plundered the 50th and 51st goals of his senior international career to fire the Republic of Ireland to a 2-0 victory against FYR Macedonia.

Keane's strikes after eight and 37 minutes proved enough to secure three precious points.

The victory did not come easily, however, and goalkeeper Shay Given was relieved to see Ivan Trickovski thump a 40th-minute penalty against the crossbar after John O'Shea had been penalised for a foul on Goran Pandev.

England's hopes of finishing top of Group G looked to have been seriously dented by a 2-2 draw with Switzerland at Wembley.

Tranquillo Barnetta struck twice in three minutes from free-kicks to give Switzerland a 2-0 lead.

However, Frank Lampard pulled a goal back before half-time with a penalty after a foul by Johan Djourou on Jack Wilshere, and Ashley Young drove in an equaliser early in the second half.

Montenegro could have pulled two points clear of Fabio Capello's side, but despite taking the lead against Bulgaria it had to settle for a 1-1 draw in Podgorica.

Radomir Djalovic put the Montenegrins ahead after 52 minutes, only for Ivelin Popov to snatch an equaliser 14 minutes later, meaning England remains top of the group on goal difference.

Greece moved to the top of Group F with an easy 3-1 victory over Malta.

First-half goals from Ioannis Fetfatzidis and Kyriakos Papadopoulos set it on its way.

Although Michael Mifsud got one back for Malta early in the second half, Fetfatzidis soon netted his second to restore the two-goal advantage and lift Greece above Croatia and Israel.

"We dominated the first 30 minutes and could have scored more than two goals," Greece coach Fernando Santos told AP.

"After the 35th minute, my players started running aimlessly and out of position.

"We explained to them what to correct at half-time but, unexpectedly, they came out even looser in the second half and Malta started to believe.

"We could have avoided these bad 20 minutes."

Israel overcame the challenge of host Latvia with a 2-1 win to join Croatia on 13 points, one behind Greece.

The visitor dominated the first half and held an interval lead thanks to goals from Yossi Benayoun and Tal Ben-Haim, the latter coming from the penalty spot.

Aleksandrs Cauna gave Latvia hope of a comeback with a spot-kick of his own, but it was unable to find an equaliser.

Portugal, Denmark and Norway are locked together on 10 points at the top of Group H.

Portugal won 1-0 at home to Norway, which lost for the first time in its campaign after gathering three wins and a draw from its opening four games. Helder Postiga's 53rd-minute goal separated the teams.

The Portuguese stand top on goal difference from their two Scandinavian rivals.

Denmark kept its qualifying campaign on track with a 2-0 victory over Iceland.

Goals from Lasse Schone and Christian Eriksen earned Morten Olsen's side its third win of the campaign.

Iceland continues to prop up the standings.

FA chief Sofoklis Pilavios called for a vote by the body's executive, which was carried by 49-7, arguing that he wanted to take the game out of the "hands of hooligans, violence, and match-fixers".

The suspension will start on Monday, after Greece's 2012 European Championship qualifier at home to Malta on Saturday. Greece leads Group F after three straight wins.

The domestic season usually starts in late August, while Greece's next competitive international is not until the September 2 Euro qualifier in Israel.

The 2022 World Cup host, 77 places below its opponent in the FIFA rankings, took the lead in the fourth minute through Mohamed Kasoula, but Tottenham Hotspur striker Roman Pavlyuchenko levelled in the 34th minute.

The draw continued Russia's run of poor results after its 2012 qualifying draw in Armenia last week and friendly defeats to Iran and Belgium.

Andre Hainault's 58th-minute effort earned Canada a surprise 1-0 win over Belarus in Antalya in Turkey.

China beat Honduras 3-0 and Peru shared a goalless draw with Ecuador.

World Cup semi-finalist Uruguay needed a couple of glorious finishes to edge out the Republic of Ireland 3-2 in Dublin.

Defender Diego Lugano opened the scoring from close range and, after Shane Long had cancelled out his strike with a 15th-minute header, his strikers took over.

Edinson Cavani and Abel Hernandez put the visitor in the driving seat with sumptuous strikes after 22 and 40 minutes respectively.

Keith Fahey's 48th-minute penalty gave the Irish hope, but the South American side held on.

Micael scored twice, in the 10th and 71st minutes, as Portugal beat Finland 2-0 in Aveiro.

Slovakia, which tops qualifying Group B, went down to a 2-1 home defeat to Denmark.

A Kornel Salata own goal put Denmark in front after three minutes, but Filip Holosko equalised just after the half-hour mark.

Brondby winger Michael Krohn-Dehli fired in the winner in the 72nd minute.

First-half goals from Matias Fernandez and Jean Beausejour earned Chile a 2-0 win over Colombia in a friendly played in The Hague.

Martin Petrov's first-half goal earned Bulgaria a 1-0 win over Cyprus, while Greece and Poland drew 0-0.

Bayern Munich pair Miroslav Klose and Thomas Muller both grabbed a brace in an easy win for Joachim Low's side in Kaiserslautern.

The win gives Germany an eight-point cushion at the top of the group ahead of its clash with Austria in June, while Kazakhstan is still waiting for its first goal, let alone its first point in qualifying.

In Group B, leader Russia was again left frustrated in front of goal as it was held to a goalless draw in Armenia.

Russia has now failed to find the net in its last three matches after friendly defeats to Belgium and Iran, but, in light of Armenia's strong start to the campaign, it will be happy to return home with a point.

Slovakia laboured to a narrow 1-0 win over basement-dweller Andorra to join Russia at the top of Group B.

Filip Sebo got the only goal in the 21st minute to send Slovakia on to 10 points from five games.

But a series of chances to add a second came to nought, setting up a nervous finish for the visitor.

The Republic of Ireland is also part of the three-way tie at the top of the group thanks to a 2-1 win over FYR Macedonia.

Aiden McGeady's early goal gave it a dream start, before Robbie Keane pounced on a goalkeeping error to double the lead.

Ivan Trickovski pulled one back on the stroke of half-time and it took a brilliant second-half save from Keiren Westwood to earn Ireland the win.

Bosnia-Herzegovina went into its Group D clash with Romania knowing it needed a win after France's victory the previous day and it did not let itself down, although it had to come from behind to win 2-1.

France's win took it on to 12 points and Bosnia-Herzegovina, starting the day on four points from three games, was behind to Ciprian Marica's first-half goal.

But Vedad Ibisevic headed an equaliser just after the hour and Manchester City striker Edin Dzeko grabbed a vital winner with seven minutes left.

In the final game in Group D, Belarus' hopes of qualification for Euro 2012 were dealt a blow as it suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to Albania in Tirana.

Hamdi Salihi grabbed the only goal of the game for Albania just after the hour mark as it moved level on points with its opponent, although it remains below it on goal difference.

In Group F, morning leaders Croatia suffered its first qualifying defeat as Levan Kobiashvili's late goal gave Georgia a 1-0 win.

The strike extended Georgia's great start to life under coach Temuri Ketsbaia, with it now 10 games unbeaten under his charge.

The win put it on to nine points, just one behind Croatia.

A header from Vassilis Torosidis with the last touch of the game helped 10-man Greece beat Malta 1-0 and move to the top of Group F.

With Croatia having lost earlier in the day, Greece knew a win would put it at the summit but, for 93 minutes it, and striker Kostas Katsouranis in particular, was denied by the brilliance of goalkeeper Justin Haber.

The 2004 winner looked stumped, especially when Socratis Papastathopoulos was sent off with six minutes left but, in the 94th minute, Torosidis denied Malta its first point of qualifying.

Elsewhere in the group, Beram Kayal hit a late winner as Israel survived a rocky second-half period to beat Latvia 2-1.

Elyaniv Barda gave it the lead in a first half it dominated, and Latvia was fortunate not to be out of sight by the time the half-time whistle went.

But it hung in and Kaspars Gorkss looked to have given it a point with an equaliser just after the hour until Kayal struck with nine minutes left.

England won the battle of Britain in Group G, coming away from Cardiff's Millennium Stadium with a 2-0 win over Wales.

The game was over inside the opening 15 minutes, with Frank Lampard scoring from the spot after James Collins brought down Ashley Young, and Darren Bent netted from close range shortly after.

Jack Wilshere excelled on his competitive debut for England, which returned to the top of the group with the win.

It and joint leader Montenegro received a huge boost later in the day as Bulgaria and Switzerland got the result they both did not want in Sofia - a 0-0 draw.

A draw leaves the pair six points adrift at the halfway stage in Group G with Wales anchored at the foot of the table.

Cyprus blew its chance at a first win in Euro 2012 qualifying Group H as it missed a penalty and struck the post against fellow struggler Iceland.

Chryssis Michael saw his penalty saved in the 21st minute and Konstantinos Makridis struck the post 12 minutes from time as it failed to make the breakthrough against Iceland, which earned its first point of the campaign with the draw.

Erik Huseklepp's goal nine minutes from time maintained Norway's unbeaten record in qualifying as Denmark missed the chance to pull level with its Scandinavian rival at the summit of Group H in a 1-1 draw.

A cagey encounter produced little in the way of goalmouth action before Dennis Rommedahl fired the Danes ahead just before the half-hour, and the veteran winger was unlucky not to wrap up the points after the break when he fired against the crossbar.

Norway's toothless performance made a mockery of its 100 percent record coming into the match but the host got out of jail late on when Huseklepp got in behind the Denmark defence to snatch a barely-deserved equaliser.

Former Arsenal forward Eduardo fired Croatia in front on 10 minutes before Kalinic opened his account to double the lead three minutes later.

The Czechs pulled one back through Besiktas defender Tomas Sivok before Arsenal midfielder Tomas Rosicky levelled just before the break.

Blackburn Rovers striker Kalinic restored Croatia's lead just after the hour while substitute Ivo Ilicevic made sure of the win with the fourth 16 minutes from time.

Ioannis Fetfatzidis' 63rd-minute strike secured a 1-0 win for Greece against Canada, while one goal was all that separated Russia and Iran, the Iranians winning it thanks to Mohammad Reza Khalatbari's late effort.

Veseljko Trivunovic and Zoran Tosic were on target as Serbia defeated Israel 2-0 in Tel Aviv.

Latvia won 2-1 against Bolivia, FYR Macedonia slipped to a 1-0 reverse at the hands of Cameroon, Hungary was a 2-0 winner in Azerbaijan, and Turkey and Korea Republic played out a goalless draw in Istanbul.

Two matches played as part of a friendly tournament in Cyprus went to penalty shoot-outs.

Ukraine and Sweden played out a 1-1 draw in their game, the Swedes opening the scoring through Bolton Wanderers' Johan Elmander before a Marco Devic penalty levelled for Ukraine. And it was Ukraine which prevailed on penalties, winning 5-4 in the shoot-out.

Romania also beat host Cyprus 5-4 on penalties after their match ended 1-1. Gabriel Torje opened the scoring for Romania 10 minutes after the break but Cyprus equalised through Michael Constantinou late on.

Luxembourg posted a surprise 2-1 win over Slovakia.

Daniel Da Mota scored two goals in the second period to lift minnow Luxembourg to the eye-catching result against a team 111 places higher in the world rankings.

Erik Jendrisek had opened the scoring for Slovakia in the 55th minute.

Belgium and Finland played out a 1-1 draw in Gent.

Belgium took the lead on the hour when Axel Witsel fired home but Roni Porokara popped up at the death to rescue a draw for the Finns.

Elsewhere, Bulgaria and Estonia played out a 2-2 draw, Slovenia was a 2-1 winner in Albania, Norway slipped to defeat at home to Poland and Malta versus Switzerland ended goalless.

English-based duo Davide Somma and Steven Pienaar were on target for South Africa as it laboured to a 2-0 victory over Kenya in Rustenburg.

Leeds United forward Somma, playing in only his second game since choosing to represent the country of his birth, opened the scoring for Bafana Bafana after just three minutes.

Tottenham Hotpsur new boy Pienaar (45) doubled the advantage on the stroke of half-time, but the expected goal flurry in the second period never happened with the host forced to settle for just the two goals against the east African side.

In Lagos, Nigeria also found goals difficult to come by against Sierra Leone, scratching its way to a 2-1 triumph.

Defender Taye Taiwo opened the scoring from the penalty spot after 16 minutes and Ekigho Ehiosun (45) added a second before the break.

But the inexperienced Super Eagles outfit, who had three uncapped players in their starting line-up, failed to kick on thereafter and Adefemi Olubayo (88) added some respectability to the scoreline with his late effort.

Elsewhere, Mbark Boussoufa bagged a brace to help Morocco claim a 3-0 victory over Niger in Marrakech.

The Anderlecht midfielder opened the scoring after 16 minutes and then added a second seven minutes from time, before Mohammed El-Bakkali (90) added a third.

In other matches involving African teams, goals from Boris Nguema Bekale (25) and Daniel Cousin (54) helped Gabon overcome the Democratic Republic of Congo 2-0, while Libya edged out Benin 3-2 in Tripoli.

Heading into the match on the back of a narrow, hard-fought 1-0 win over Latvia at the weekend, Santos was quick to take the positives from the victory as Greece looks to build momentum in the race for a spot at the tournament in Poland and Ukraine.

Vassilis Torosidis' second-half strike earned Greece three vital points against the Latvians at the Georgios Karaiskakis stadium in Athens, though the right-back will miss the clash after earlier being booked for diving in the first half to incur a one-match suspension.

Next up is another home tie, with Israel this time providing the opposition, and Santos wants to build on the last start win.

"It was a fair victory against Latvia," he said. "We dominated throughout the match.

"I'm pleased by the emergence of players who all did what they were asked. We had the initiative. There was anxiety and nervousness, but that is normal.

"The players responded well to what I asked them and we achieved our target of victory."

The coach surmised: "The team is improving game by game and can continue to do so, but we are on track."

Israel, a 2-1 loser at home to group leader Croatia lats start, is without long-term injury victim Yossi Benayoun for the trip to Athens. Central defender Tal Ben Haim is banned for the visiting side.

While Croatia is not in midweek action, second-placed Georgia travel to Latvia, which hopes to have Andrejs Rubins and Alex Cauna available despite minor knocks.

Georgia recorded its first competitive win since October 2007 by overcoming Malta 1-0 and coach Temuri Ketsbaia hopes to build on the victory.

"We were awaiting this win for three years and I hope it will help us mentally," the former Newcastle player told uefa.com.

Zurab Khizanishvili is suspended for Georgia while Ucha Lobjanidze returns from a ban.

Veteran AEK Athens forward Nikos Liberopoulos makes his return to the team one year after the 35-year-old's last appearance. Liberopoulos replaces Eintracht Frankfurt striker Fanis Gekas who recently quit the national side.

Squad:

Goalkeepers: Alexandros Tzorvas (Panathinaikos), Michael Sifakis (Aris)

Defenders: Lukas Vyntra, Nikos Spyropoulos (both Panathinaikos), Stelios Malezas (PAOK), Avraam Papadopoulos, Vasilis Torosidis (both Olympiakos), Socrates Papastathopoulos (AC Milan/ITA), Giorgos Tzavellas (Panionios)

Midfielders: Kostas Katsouranis, Giorgos Karagounis, Sotiris Ninis (all Panathinaikos), Pantelis Kafes, Panagiotis Kone (both AEK), Alexandros Tziolis (Racing Santander/ESP), Sakis Prittas (Aris)

Forwards: Dimitris Salpingidis (PAOK), Giorgos Samaras (Celtic/SCO), Kostas Mitroglou (Olympiakos), Nikos Liberopoulos (Panathinaikos).

The 30-year-old Eintracht Frankfurt frontman made the announcement on his personal blog, citing 'special circumstances' as the reason for his decision.

Gekas becomes the third Greek player to retire from the international scene in the past month after Frankfurt team-mate Yiannis Amanatidis and Liverpool's Sotiris Kyrgiakos.

"After much thought I have decided to quit the national team because of some special circumstances within it and have informed those responsible," Gekas wrote on www.in.gr

"I want to wish the national team and my team-mates success and thank everyone who worked with me."

Gekas scored 20 goals in 52 appearances for the Greek national side since making his debut five years ago, and was his country's leading scorer in qualifying for the FIFA World Cup earlier this year.

Gekas' retirement will come as a blow to new Greece coach Fernando Santos, who took charge after Otto Rehhagel called time on his nine-year spell following his side's exit from the World Cup in the group stage.

Greece's Euro 2012 qualification campaign has got off to an unspectacular start with two draws in its opening two games.

Croatia was the dominant force, particularly in the first half, but it could not make the breakthrough.

Luka Modric and Niko Kranjcar both had efforts saved by Michalis Sifakis in the opening 10 minutes while Ivica Olic also tried his luck before Georgios Samaras at last offered something for Greece with an effort that flew wide.

Kranjcar was then denied again by Sifakis before the half petered out.

Croatia coach Slaven Bilic brought Nikica Jelavic on in place of Mladen Petric for the second half and it looked like the change had worked immediately when the striker put the ball in the net in the 48th minute only for the offside flag to curtail the celebrations.

A minute later home keeper Vedran Runje was called on for the first time to keep out a Giorgos Karagounis shot.

At the other end, Ivan Rakitic forced Sifakis into another save while Greek substitute Fanis Gekas became the second player to be denied a goal by the offside flag.

Croatia threw everything at its opponents in the final 10 minutes, with Kranjcar, Danijel Pranjic, Ivan Strinic and Eduardo all trying their luck, but without success.

The point was, though, enough to put Croatia top of Group F on four points following its last start win in Latvia, while it was a second successive draw for Greece.

Elsewhere in Group F, Latvia won 2-0 in Malta and Israel remains unbeaten after securing a scoreless draw in Georgia.

The Tottenham playmaker missed the 3-0 victory over Latvia with a thigh problem but is in line to return for the second round of matches in Group F.

Coach Slaven Bilic admits Croatia's self-belief dipped after they failed to qualify for the World Cup but believes they are now on the right track.

"I'm not only delighted because of the victory against Latvia but because we thought Latvia would be our most difficult away match," said Bilic.

"We had a dip in confidence after World Cup qualifying but we shouldn't be euphoric just yet."

New Greece coach Fernando Santos experienced a frustrating competitive debut as after his team was held to a 1-1 draw at home by Georgia in the opener.

Georgia hosts Israel in its first Euro 2012 qualifier on home soil in what will also be its first competitive match against Israel.

Temuri Ketsbaia, the Georgia coach, was pleased with last weekend's 1-1 draw in Greece.

"The match was very tight but that's not a surprise for me," said Ketsbaia.

"I knew Greek football well so it was easy to tell the players what to expect.

"Even though we led and only got a draw, I am happy to have this result as we now look forward to meeting Israel."

The opening round of fixtures pointed to a long qualifying campaign for Malta and Latvia with both sides suffering three-goal defeats to Israel and Croatia respectively.

Now the minnows meet in Ta' Qali in what will be their first competitive fixture.

Malta coach John Buttigieg saw pleasing aspects in the 3-1 defeat by Israel and refuses to throw in the towel against Latvia.

"We all knew that the Israel match would be very difficult," said Buttigieg.

"Despite being under early pressure my team reacted well and even drew level with a goal from Jamie Pace.

"Again we conceded two goals which we could have avoided. From then on it was impossible to recover.

"Our immediate objective is now Latvia - another difficult match but not impossible."

Ottmar Hitzfeld's side, which was famously the only team to beat Spain at this northern summer's FIFA World Cup, grabbed the only goal of the game in the 73rd minute through Moreno Constanzo.

The home side had a golden chance to take the lead five minutes earlier but Christian Fuchs, captaining the side for the first time, missed a penalty.

Czech Republic was in fine form as it defeated Latvia 4-1. After a goalless first half, Roman Bednar netted the opener in the 49th minute.

Martin Fenin added the second five minutes later and goals from Zdenek Pospech and Tomas Necid put the match beyond Latvia, which managed a late consolation from Aleksandrs Cauna.

Samuel Eto'o scored twice as Cameroon bounced back after its World Cup disappointment with a 3-0 victory against Poland.

The Inter Milan forward netted in the 29th and 52nd minutes before Vincent Aboubakar rounded off the scoring.

Serbia suffered a surprise home defeat by Greece, Dimitris Salpingidis grabbing the only goal on the stroke of half-time, while Slovakia and Croatia drew 1-1.

Miroslav Stoch opened the scoring for the host in the 50th minute but it took only four minutes for Nikica Jelavic to level for Croatia.

Belgium's international woes continued as an own goal by Manchester City defender Vincent Kompany gave Finland a 1-0 victory.

Wales scored four second-half goals to destroy Luxembourg 5-1 in Llanelli.

Captain Craig Bellamy put the seal on an outstanding individual display with his country's fifth goal, which followed earlier efforts by David Cotterill, Andy King, Ashley Williams and a Joe Ledley penalty.

Luxembourg produced a spectacular first-half goal from striker Joel Kitenge, but they it was reduced to 10 men after 77 minutes when Mario Mutsch was sent off.

Radomir Dalovic scored either side of half-time to hand Montenegro a 2-0 victory and leave Northern Ireland frustrated in its match in Podgorica, while Cyprus beat Andorra 1-0.

Santos, who took over from German coach Otto Rehhagel after the World Cup finals where they exited in the first round, has called up 22-year-old Panathinaikos midfielder Stergos Marinos, 20-year-old midfielder Savvas Gentzoglou of AEK Athens and Olympiakos' 21-year-old midfielder Giannis Papadopoulos for his first game in charge.

The Portuguese coach left out eight of the squad that went to the finals in South Africa, two of whom are injured.

He produced another surprise with the selection of 32-year-old AEK midfielder Pantelis Kafes who had not been selected since February 2008.

Santos called up seven players from Greek champions Panathinaikos.

Squad:

Goalkeepers: Michael Sifakis (Aris Salonica), Alexandros Tzorvas (Panathinaikos)

Defenders: Sotiris Kyrgiakos (Liverpool/ENG), Stelios Malezas (PAOK Salonica), Giannis Maniatis (Panionios), Nikos Spyropoulos, Lukas Vyntra (both Panathinaikos), Avraam Papadopoulos, Vasilis Torosidis (both Olympiakos), Socrates Papastathopoulos (AC Milan/ITA)

Midfielders: Kostas Katsouranis, Giorgos Karagounis, Sotiris Ninis, Stergos Marinos (all Panathinaikos), Giorgos Tzavellas (Panionios), Savvas Gentzoglou, Pantelis Kafes (both AEK), Giannis Papadopoulos (Olympiakos)

Forwards: Dimitris Salpingidis (PAOK), Fanis Gekas (Eintracht Frankfurt/GER), Giorgos Samaras (Celtic/SCO), Kostas Mitroglou (Olympiakos).

Rehhagel stood down last week following Greece's elimination from the World Cup at the group stage after guiding the country to an unprecedented period of success in his nine-year reign, highlighted by its astonishing title success at Euro 2004.

Portuguese Santos, 55, is well established in Greek football having had coaching stints at Panathinaikos, PAOK Salonika and AEK Athens in the last decade.

He resigned from PAOK in May after leading the club to a place in next season's Champions League qualifying rounds.

He has signed a two-year deal to coach Greece and will be presented to the media this week.

The Greeks failed to negotiate a way through Group B, finishing third behind Argentina and Korea Republic.

Rehhagel also came in for criticism for the way he set up his team for the clash with Argentina in which it showed little appetite to go for three points, and instead appeared intent on simply shackling the South Americans.

Nevertheless, Rehhagel leaves following a period of unparalleled success in Greek football.

The crowning glory came in 2004 when Rehhagel memorably masterminded Greece's European championship success which earned him the title of 'King Otto' in the Mediterranean nation.

He also led Greece to Euro 2008 and this year's World Cup finals, where it secured its first ever points at the finals with a 2-1 victory over Nigeria.

Rehhagel saw his side fail to reach the knockout stages of the 2010 FIFA World Cup this week following a 2-0 defeat to Argentina.

After its exit the 71-year-old German refused to comment on his future but Topalidis, who did announce his departure, was quoted in by Greek reporters today saying Rehhagel had decided to leave.

"I have said what I had to say," Topalidis said. "I have said goodbye to the players and so has the coach."

Rehhagel memorably masterminded Greece's Euro 2004 success which earned him the title of 'King Otto' in the Mediterranean nation.

He also led Greece to Euro 2008 and this northern summer's World Cup in South Africa, where it secured its first ever points at the finals with a 2-1 victory over Nigeria.

The country's only other appearance at the tournament came in 1994 in the USA when it failed to score a goal and exited the group stage without a point.

Having surprisingly won the European Championship in 2004 the nation returned to the world stage in South Africa but it seemed history would repeat itself as it went down 2-0 to South Korea in its first match.

However, Greece bounced back as it came from behind to beat Nigeria 2-1 - scoring its first World Cup goals in the process - and held the supremely-talented Argentina at bay for 77 minutes before conceding two late goals to finish third in the group.

"The players are disappointed by the game against South Korea but the last two games against Nigeria and Argentina we did all we can, gave 100% and in the end we were really happy with our performance as a team," said the Celtic forward.

"We enjoy the football because that is what it is all about. In the end it was a fair result [against Argentina] and we enjoyed it even though we lost the game.

"It has a been a great experience. It is a world football party.

"Maybe in the first game we were a bit nervous but it has been a great experience for everyone and I want to thank all my team-mates for sharing this unbelievable dream."

Having been given the unenviable task of playing as the lone front man as the rest of the Greece team concentrated on defending Samaras had plenty of opportunity to watch Argentina at close hand.

And he confirmed what many have come to realise - and which was thought improbable after disastrous qualifying campaign: Diego Maradona's side have to be considered serious contenders.

"They are a great team, with great players and the way they move the ball is really good," he added.

"If they can find form and rhythm they can do more and more things.

"And don't forget they left out some players against us (Maradona rested the likes of hat-trick hero Gonzalo Higuain, Carlos Tevez, Javier Mascherano and Angel de Maria).

"The have all the qualities to get through to the final."

Greece's exit may signal the end for veteran German coach Otto Rehhagel.

The 71-year-old achieved legendary status in Greece after leading them to a surprise victory in the 2004 European Championships three years after taking over.

Rehhagel has been in charge for 106 matches, winning half and losing 30.

Assistant Yiannis Topalidis announced he would be quitting his post after the defeat to Argentina and reports in Greece suggest Rehhagel is set to follow suit.

Bayern Munich centre-back Demichelis fired home from close range in the 77th minute after his header from Lionel Messi's corner bounced back off team-mate Diego Milito.

Boca Juniors striker Palermo tapped in the rebound from Messi's shot to complete the victory a minute from time.

"Now the road gets more difficult," said Maradona.

"You always hear about Germany, Italy, Brazil playing poorly, but they're always in the second round, quarters, semi-finals and the final."

With his side virtually qualified even before they played their final match Maradona made seven changes but insisted on playing Messi and in the process he made the Barcelona forward Argentina's youngest captain two days short of his 23rd birthday.

"It was a unique experience - something very special," said Messi.

"As soon as I knew about it it was just great, unique."

Meanwhile, the 36-year-old Palermo - the least heralded of Argentina's much-celebrated strikeforce - was delighted to have repaid Maradona's faith with a goal.

"This is priceless," said the Boca Juniors forward, who is behind Gonzalo Higuain, Diego Milito, Carlos Tevez and Sergio Aguero in the forwards pecking order. "I will always be grateful to Diego Maradona and to the staff for their confidence in me, knowing there are others ahead of me.

"My team-mates celebrated with me as if they had scored themselves."

Maradona also rounded on his critics, who were many when Argentina stumbled through qualifying and made it only with two wins in their last two matches.

"They (the critics) should apologise to the players, who are 100% professional," said the World Cup winner.

"We are doing our duty, which is to defend the Argentina shirt. Sometimes they are wrong, but those who have also criticised are wrong and should apologise."

The coach was also unimpressed by some strong-arm tactics in trying to keep Messi quiet, which Greece achieved until the last 10 minutes of the game.

"Where is the famous fair play? If every time Lionel Messi gets the ball he is thrown to the ground, what are we talking about?" he added.

"They should get a yellow card to stop it, because that is in the rules."

Greece coach Otto Rehhagel admitted his side were second-best.

"It was a well-deserved victory, no doubt about that," said the 71-year-old German, whose side lost out on second place after South Korea drew with Nigeria.

"We wanted to avoid an early goal, we managed to do that, but of course Argentina has more class and that earned them the win."

"My players played with their hearts and with excitement

"But it was just not enough to cause Argentina much trouble."

Defender Martin Demichelis and substitute Martin Palermo succeeded where Argentina's multi-talented strikeforce had failed as they scored the goals to break Greece's resilience at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane.

Bayern Munich centre-back Demichelis fired home from close range in the 77th minute after his header from Lionel Messi's corner bounced back off team-mate Diego Milito.

Boca Juniors striker Palermo tapped in the rebound from Lionel Messi's shot to complete the victory a minute from time.

It sent Argentina into the knockout phase to face Mexico full of confidence on the back of three successive wins, as Greece's best defensive efforts ultimately proved to be in vain.

Korea Republic's 2-2 draw with Nigeria put it through as Group B runner-up.

For long periods Diego Maradona's side was frustrated by Greece, for which defending is what it does best - having used the tactic to become surprise European champions in 2004.

However, what Otto Rehhagel's side desperately needed more than anything was a goal and despite the unstinting efforts of Celtic striker Georgios Samaras - who at times appeared to be the one in a 10-1 formation - it just did not threaten enough.

Argentina, by contrast, did not really need to exert itself as it was virtually guaranteed to progress as group winner before the match kicked off.

Messi captained the side after Maradona made seven changes from victory over South Korea but found himself closely marked throughout.

He had one early trademark run towards the penalty area which was halted by Sokratis Papastathopoulos but otherwise was effectively shackled throughout.

Sergio Aguero's first sight of goal saw the busy Alexandros Tzorvas palm his shot away for a corner in the 18th minute and the goalkeeper then immediately had to tip over Juan Sebastian Veron's 30-yard strike.

Tzorvas almost undid all Greece's hard work when he spilled Diego Milito's low cross into the path of Aguero but Loukas Vyntra charged down his shot at the far post.

But he redeemed himself in first-half added time when he saved from Liverpool midfielder Maxi Rodriguez and Messi in quick succession.

Three minutes into the second half Greece almost snatched the lead when Samaras beat Demichelis to another long ball out of defence and raced into the penalty area but drove wide of far post with his left foot - Greece's first shot of the match.

But injuries were not kind to Rehhagel's side as it lost Georgios Karagounis, Konstantinos Katsouranis and Vasileios Torosidis all within 10 minutes of the restart.

Argentina pressed on regardless with Milito inches from heading in a cross from left-back Clemente Rodriguez, who himself hit a dipping shot just wide.

In the 68th minute Messi's long-range free-kick brought another save out of Tzorvas and from the resulting corner the ball dropped to defensive midfielder Mario Bolatti but he shot straight at the goalkeeper from six yards.

It was 24 years to the day since Maradona scored his infamous Hand of God goal against England in the quarter-finals of 1986 Mexico World Cup - Argentina's last triumph at this tournament - and the frustrated players might have felt like indulging in similar skulduggery themselves.

But Demichelis saved anyone the embarrassment by drilling into the roof of the net with 13 minutes to go.

Things opened up after that and Messi smashed a left-footed shot off the post having weaved his way into the penalty area.

His next effort was more productive as Tzorvas parried his strike into the path of the 36-year-old Palermo who took full advantage.

World player of the year Messi is the stand-out player in a squad of immense talent and Rehhagel believes just to focus on the Barcelona star would leave Hellas open to failings elsewhere.

Having secured the first World Cup win in its history last time out against Nigeria, Greece have a chance of qualifying for the second round if it can better Korea Republic's result against the point-less Nigeria.

"I am aware we are playing against Messi, the best player in the world," said Rehhagel.

"I am not going to tell you how we are going to stop Messi because we don't give secrets away.

"But wherever he turns up we will try to attack him - but no team has been able to stop him yet.

"And for the game tomorrow Carlos Tevez will not play and Diego Milito will take his place but it makes no difference because Argentina have a lot of world-class players."

However, Konstantinos Katsouranis, celebrating his 31st birthday, gave an indication of what the plan was.

"One player cannot stop Messi but a team as a whole, yes, we can limit him and that is what we are going to do."

The South Americans have been the most impressive performers so far in the four-yearly spectacle being hosted by South Africa, defeating Nigeria 1-0 and Korea Republic 4-1 at Johannesburg stadiums Ellis Park and Soccer City.

And striker Gonzalo Higuain has scored the only hat-trick to date at the tournament, using his head and feet to torment the Koreans in the afternoon sunshine before 82,000 appreciative onlookers.

Now Argentina takes a four-hour coach journey north from its Pretoria base to Polokwane for a floodlit match at a stadium where freezing conditions forced French players to wrap themselves in blankets three days ago.

Coach Diego Maradona needs no introduction to Greece. Apart from watching video recordings of a 2-0 loss to South Korea and 2-1 victory over 10-man Nigeria, he has faced them in the World Cup.

His mind will rewind to June 21 1994 at Foxboro Stadium in the United States and a 4-0 triumph in which he scored once and Gabriel Batistuta completed a hat-trick with a penalty 60 seconds from full-time.

But darker days lay ahead with Maradona kicked out of his last World Cup as a footballer for drug abuse and Argentina failing in its quest for a third title after winning at home in 1978 and in Mexico eight years later.

Many observers believe a third title could come on July 12 (AEST) in Johannesburg, but Maradona knows the World Cup is a marathon not a sprint and the steepest obstacles come in the knockout phase.

So far, so good for Argentina, though, who have been pleasant on the eye with workaholic World Footballer of the Year Lionel Messi doing just about everything except score.

"I have to congratulate my players because everything they have done so far has worked out well. I am very happy at this World Cup," said Maradona after a training session.

While only a heavy loss at Peter Mokaba Stadium and victory for South Korea over Nigeria could deprive Argentina of a place among the last 16, the Greeks are desperate for points.

A draw would suffice if Nigeria defeat South Korea in Durban, but an Asian triumph leaves the former European champion with no choice but to win as well and leave mathematicians to sort out the goal difference.

"We learnt a lot from our mistakes against the Koreans and still have hopes of getting through. We will do our best against Argentina," promised Dimitris Salpingidis who equalised against Nigeria.

But many wonder if Greece would have won in Bloemfontein had Nigerian Sani Kaita not lost his head before half-time and been sent off for a wild assault on an opponent.

It may not be a four-goal hiding this time, but having won on the field against the Greeks, Maradona is likely to repeat the feat as a coach and set his team up for a second round showdown against the Group A runners-up.

KEY TO MATCH

Gonzalo Higuain (ARG) v Lukas Vyntra and Avraam Papadopoulos (GRE)

A two-against-one scenario may not seem fair, but the two local-based Greek centrebacks are set for a busy evening against the leading World Cup scorer who sneaks undetected into positions that make scoring seem simple.

The Greeks have to better Korea Republic's result against the pointless Nigeria to progress.

And although that probably means it will have to defeat Diego Maradona's side, which has six points from its opening two games, Kapetanos is remaining upbeat.

"We all know Argentina and know how good they are," said the 27-year-old from Steaua Bucharest.

"They have 22 fantastic players and Messi, who is one step higher in quality - the best player in the world.

"All the Argentina players are exceptional, but it's also up to us.

"If we play well, we can make it. If we stay concentrated for the entire 90 minutes, I believe the match can be won.

"We just have to play the way we know."

The Greeks have to better Korea Republic's result against Nigeria to progress.

That will be no easy task against the South Americans, who have won both their matches, even if coach Diego Maradona intends to rotate his squad.

"Argentina are a top-class team, far superior to Greece," said the 71-year-old.

"They will clearly be better than us and we have got to see how to cope with them.

"We all know the Argentine team is of extraordinary quality but we are happy to have a chance to qualify."

Samaras' side is looking to upset one of the tournament favourites in Argentina and progress from Group B.

Barcelona forward Messi has the highest profile in a star-studded team, who won its first two matches.

Samaras said: "He is a top player. Next to him I am nothing. He is the best in the world."

However the Celtic frontman believes Greece can take confidence from the 2-1 victory against Nigeria. He also scoffed at suggestions Argentina will field a weakened team.

"It does not matter who plays as they are all great players, " he said. "But we will be positive.

"There have been lots of games where we have played attacking football and that will be our aim again.

"We have a chance of going through to the next round and we will fight for it. We are not an easy team to play against as Nigeria found out."

The future of 71-year German coach Otto Rehhagel - who led the nation to an extraordinary European Championship success in 2004 - is unclear.

Samaras said: "It is up to him what he wants to do. If he would like to stay, I would be fine with that.

"He has been with the national team for nine years and done some great things.

"We won the European Championship and now we are in the World Cup. He has brought discipline to the team and we are a really close group of players."

Nigeria was eft frustrated following the dismissal of Sani Kaita and then the error by goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama which handed Greece victory.

After two defeats, coach Daniel Amokachi wants his team to raise its game and find that winning mentality when it faces Korea Republic.

He said: "I am tired of hearing people saying that we played well. Yes, we played well, like we played well against Argentina.

"But what is the use of playing well if in the end you lose the match? I am not entirely happy nor satisfied for that matter.

"We had to rearrange our strategy when we lost Kaita, but we need to develop strong minds and change our attitude of being satisfied about playing well. We should aim at winning. That is what football is about."

A blunder by Nigeria goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama, curiously named man of the match, handed Greece 2-1 victory at the Free State Stadium.

Enyeama, whose team were down to 10 men after Sani Kaita was dismissed with them leading 1-0, failed to deal with a soft shot from Alexandros Tziolis in the 72nd minute. The rebound fell to Vasileios Torosidis, who toe-poked home the winner.

It was a sad end for Nigeria who had opened the scoring through Kalu Uche's free-kick, only for Greece to equalise through Dimitrios Salpingidis.

But for the Greeks it marked their first win and first goals in five games in two World Cup finals.

Next up is Argentina on Tuesday and Rehhagel said: "They are a world class team, an exceptional side.

"It will be interesting to see how my team cope. I am just glad we have got a victory. It would have been a shame to have gone home without any points."

Nigeria struggled after Kaita's dismissal for a studs-up challenge on Torosidis and now face an early exit from the tournament.

While Kaita said sorry, coach Lars Lagerback hinted that Torosidis had play-acted.

Rehhagel responded: "I do not think our player was in any way responsible. You cannot say that."

Kaita said: "I would like to apologise to the Nigerian people, my team-mates and to the officials."

Celtic striker Georgios Samaras savoured the victory after stepping off the bench.

He said: "We have a very good team and I just try to do my best. We deserved to win because we worked really hard.

"They are an African team with a lot of strength with power and pace. We pushed ourselves to the limit.

"This is a good moment for us. I never feel pressure. I am positive about football, every single day, every single minute."

The game was played at the home of Bloemfontein Celtic and Samaras felt the venue was a lucky omen for him after Greece lost their opening game to South Korea.

"That was a good sign with the Celtic connection, " he added. "We have had some criticism but that is normal as we did not play well against South Korea. But we stayed positive and proved it today."

Otto Rehhagel's side secured a 2-1 victory against 10-man Nigeria at the Free State Stadium to give it a glimmer of hope of reaching the next stage.

Samaras, who stepped off the bench to play his part in the victory, was delighted at the result.

He said: "We have a very good team and I just try to do my best. We deserved to win because we worked really hard.

"They are an African team with a lot of strength with power and pace. We pushed ourselves to the limit.

"This is a good moment for us. I never feel pressure. I am positive about football, every single day, every single minute.

"We want to enjoy it but there is not time for celebration.

"We have a flight back to Durban in the morning and then training. We have only four days to prepare for the next game (against Argentina)."

The game was played at the home of Bloemfontein Celtic and Samaras felt the venue was a lucky omen for him after Greece lost its opening game to South Korea.

"That was a good sign with the Celtic connection," he added.

"We have had some criticism but we do play attacking football.

"That is normal as we did not play well against South Korea. But we stayed positive and proved it today."

A blunder by Nigeria goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama handed Greece its first ever victory at the World Cup finals.

It also maintains its hopes of an appearance in the knockout stage, although it must get at least a point against Argentina to have any chance.

Enyeama, whose side was down to 10-men following Sani Kaita's senseless indiscretion that resulted in a red card, failed to deal with a relatively tame shot from Alexandros Tziolis in the 72nd minute.

The rebound fell to Vasileios Torosidis, who toe-poked the ball into the net to give Greece victory.

Nigeria now faces an early exit. Yet the game had started so well for the Super Eagles.

It took the lead after 16 minutes following a defensive howler.

Greece failed to cut out an inswinging free-kick from Kalu Uche and goalkeeper Alexandros Tzorvas was left rooted to the spot as the ball nestled in the net, untouched by any other player.

While Uche celebrated, Tzorvas was left shaking his head in disbelief.

It was an early setback for Greece following itsfirst-up defeat by Korea Republic.

Greece responded 13 minutes later when skipper Georgios Karagounis tried to chip Enyeama from distance but the goalkeeper was able to make a comfortable save.

Then Karagounis floated in a corner only for Liverpool defender Sotirios Kyrgiakos to send his header high over the bar.

The match took a dramatic twist in the 34th minute when Nigeria was reduced to 10-men.

Kaita was handed a straight red card by referee Oscar Ruiz following an altercation with Torosidis. Kaita kicked out at the defender and was immediately banished to the dressing room.

Greece coach Otto Rehhagel reacted by bringing on striker Georgios Samaras, for defender Sokratis Papastathopoulos, two minutes later.

And the aggressive swap almost paid off immediately when in the 39th minute Enyeama superbly blocked a shot from Salpingidis.

Greece stepped up the pace and Samaras then had an effort cleared off the line by Lukman Haruna.

Nigeria was breached a minute before the break when Salpingidis scored the equaliser, his effort deflecting off a defender after Konstantinos Katsouranis had played the ball into his path.

It was a historic moment for Greece - its first goal in the finals, in its fourth match.

Nigeria made a confident start to the second half and Uche saw his clever cross palmed on to the roof of the net by Enyeama in the 48th minute.

Greece hit back and Kyrgiakos sent a header at the back post into the arms of Enyeama seven minutes later following a corner from Karagounis.

Greece kept pushing forward and Thefonais Gekas had a point-blank effort brilliantly blocked by the goalkeeper in the 59th minute.

Nigeria launched a swift counter-attack, with Aiyegbeni Yakubu's one-on-one effort expertly parried by the left-hand of Tzorvas.

The ball broke to substitute Chinedu Obasi but he somehow managed to miss the open target when it seemed easier to score.

Nigeria was again grateful to Enyeama in the 68th minute when he clawed away a looping header from Samaras.

Then came the mistake by the goalkeeper that proved decisive in allowing Torosidis to swoop on the loose ball and snare Greece's winner.

Enyeama managed to push aside Tziolis's effort in stoppage time to prevent Greece extending its lead.

The German is determined to drive Greece to victory over Nigeria and rekindle its hopes of progressing from Group B.

A 2-0 defeat by Korea Republic in the first match continued the Euro 2004 winner's dismal World Cup record.

Greece has lost all four games it has played in the finals. It has failed to score and has conceded 12 goals.

Yet Rehhagel, who led the nation to unexpected glory at the European championship six years ago, is convinced it can turn things around.

"We still have an opportunity and can recover after losing the first game," said Rehhagel, whose side clinched a place among the elite with a dramatic play-off victory against Ukraine.

"First of all we have to keep our mistakes to a minimum. We have to play to our full potential and give everything.

"Of course we want to score goals. But I do not think we are that defensive. Perhaps if we had (Lionel) Messi, Kaka and (Cristiano) Ronaldo our style would be different."

Bloemfontein is experiencing a cold snap, with freezing conditions expected at the Free State Stadium for the match - and that is welcome news for Rehhagel.

"I think it is better for the players to play in the cold, rather than hot conditions, " he added. "But we cannot use the weather as an excuse."

Georgios Samaras admits it needs to regain its defensive pride - or face the consequences.

The Celtic striker was alarmed at the way the team fell apart in the defeat by South Korea.

"We made too many stupid mistakes," he said. "We did not defend at all well, which is usually our main strength.

"Nigeria is a tough test for us. They have many talented and strong players playing in top leagues. It will be a chance for us to get back to what we do best, which is frustrating the opponent.

"If a player makes a mistake, the man closest to him needs to immediately react and work twice as hard to solve the problem.

"If we lose, our World Cup is over. It is the same for Nigeria (after losing their opener 1-0 to Argentina).

"We just need to play better football."

The Greeks, making their second World Cup appearance and still chasing their first goal, lost their opening game 2-0 to South Korea on Saturday with Torosidis missing an early chance to score.

The 25-year-old Torosidis said the defense-minded Greeks will redouble its efforts for Thursday's Group B match at Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein but is unlikely to undergo any radical change.

"To be honest, there can be no transformation in five days, not for any team," Torosidis said.

"What we need to be is very stubborn and to show this on the pitch. Even if we don't win, we won't be disappointed as long as we play well."

The Olympiakos player said Greece's chances of getting out the group would have been 50-50 with a win against the Koreans, but refused to say what he now thought of his team's prospects.

While claiming to be happy to follow instructions from coach Otto Rehhagel, Torosidis appeared to question the German veteran's choices.

"I was asked to take the set pieces," Torosidis said. "I won't say no to the coach - that's my character. You could see for yourselves whether I was successful or not."

Rehhagel, who turns 72 in August, faced criticism in Greece for surprisingly not picking the physically intimidating Sotiris Kyrgiakos and substituting captain Giorgos Karagounis at halftime against South Korea.

Kyrgiakos said he is ready to play the Nigerians.

"I don't take my (place) for granted ... Of course, I want to play in the next match and I'm ready," he said. "But the main disappointment is that we didn't beat the Koreans."

The Greeks play Argentina in their last Group B game, the same opponents who beat them 4-0 in its calamitous 1994 World Cup campaign. Greece was also defeated 2-0 by Nigeria and 4-0 by Bulgaria in the United States-hosted tournament.

The Euro 2004 champion slumped to a 2-0 defeat against South Korea in its opening Group B outing and, with Nigeria also losing to Argentina in its first match, Thursday's (Friday morning AEST) encounter between the two in Bloemfontein could be vital for both nations.

The 28-year-old Salpingidis admits Greece needs to be wary of the threat posed by the Super Eagles, saying: "Nigeria, like us, are in a difficult situation because they lost their first match. They are a very good team. They are physically strong and fast, and also have quality.

"We must be focused for 90 minutes in defence and attack, and we need to be properly prepared so we can get something positive out of the match.

"At this level you have to be prepared in all areas. Even against Argentina, Nigeria created chances and problems."

Greece's loss to South Korea means that in its four matches in World Cup finals it has yet to pick up a point or even score a goal, having lost all three fixtures on their previous appearance back in 1994.

Salpingidis insists his team is looking forward rather than back though, adding: "Statistics are for the journalists. We don't go out onto the pitch thinking about what's being said or written, or what's happened years ago. We go out trying to win every game."

Greece opened its Group B campaign with a 2-0 defeat to Korea Republic in Port Elizabeth, and head into Friday morning's (AEST) clash with Nigeria still waiting to score the first World Cup finals goal in its history after four successive defeats.

Rehhagel admits its hope of changing that record at the weekend was blown out of the water inside seven minutes when Greece failed to pick up Korean defender Lee Jung-soo as he met Ki Sung-yueng's free-kick to open the scoring.

The 71-year-old German said: "Basically, we played into our opponents' hands from the seventh minute.

"There were 18 people in the penalty area and if the ball is hit hard across it, anything can happen.

"The defenders failed to head it away and South Korea took full advantage.

"Having said that, you cannot always prevent those situations."

Rehhagel, whose squad is now preparing for the Nigeria game in Durban, knows there is little margin for error with Argentina awaiting it in the final group game.

He said: "We have got to examine the last match very carefully and then we will try to improve in a very sober manner and learn our lessons.

"But we are coming up against the strongest teams in the group now."

In its opening game of the tournament, the Koreans' speed, sharp tactics and hunger had Greece in all sorts of trouble.

Lax defending contributed to the first goal when the Greek defence failed to deal with Ki Sung Yueng's free-kick from beside the left corner flag.

The ball skimmed over the heads of the Greek defence for Lee Jung Soo to volley in at the far post.

The Koreans wrapped up a deserved three points early in the second half when captain Park Ji Sung beat off defenders Avraam Papadopoulos and Loukas Vyntra and slotted the ball past keeper Alexandros Tzorvas.

Tzorvas said that the Greek squad would now work on regrouping and readjusting its sights on what he called a 'very strong Nigeria team' in Bloemfontein.

"We will spend the next couple of days trying to regroup. After the defeat we're trying to put aside the criticism and recover as fast as possible for the upcoming match," the Panathinaikos shot-stopper said.

"We now have to prepare very well to play and perform better against Nigeria and try to get our first win."

Tzorvas said South Korea, which tops Group B from Argentina - 1-0 winner over Nigeria - had capitalised on simple mistakes.

"We have to see the overall picture and what went wrong," he said. "The goals we conceded were the results of mistakes. Everyone makes mistakes, and we made mistakes as a team not as individuals.

"South Korea were very disciplined in the game and took advantage of our mistakes and that's why they won."

The goalkeeper acknowledged that Greece had failed to maximise its height superiority at the set-piece, and would now turn its full attention to the Super Eagles.

"We didn't take advantage of set pieces as we said we would try and do before the South Korea game," he said.

"Nigeria are a very strong team. We will now analyse all aspects of our game and that of Nigeria to see what we have to do to win.

"Nigeria have very strong, physical players but we must first fix and prepare our team and then we see what we need to do to stop our opponent."

He added: "We carry on. We all know that in football a lot of times you have bad results. The best thing you can do is to carry on.

"We're not disappointed, we have to be realistic about our potential and what we can do."

Panathinaikos defender Vyntra, partly to blame for the second goal, gave a blunt assessment of what was needed in the win-or-bust game against Nigeria.

"We have to go there and win," he said.

The 2010 FIFA World Cup’s first triple header night and morning, dished up to Australian football fans courtesy of SBS, saw South Korea display its credentials, Lionel Messi shine on the international stage and a customary howler from an England goalkeeper.

Korea Republic produced its best team performance on the global stage since Dutch supercoach Guus Hiddink led it to the semi-finals of the 2002 FIFA World Cup.

The South Koreans' 2-0 win over Greece does not reflect how truly dominant the team captained by Manchester United’s Park Ji Sung was. South Korea looked super fit, was disciplined and expressed pace and skill like no other Asian national team at the World Cup.

Greece looked ordinary as it struggled to cope with a faster and fitter opponent. Park’s goal, the second of the match, was a brilliant piece of individual skill after the defence turned over the ball in a dangerous area.

Diego Maradona’s Argentina won its opening match again Nigeria by a solitary goal - Gabriel Heinze’s header - but its attacking performance would have pleased all fans and football neutrals.

Lionel Messi injected himself at every opportunity he felt necessary, and on each occasion toyed with his opponents with a masterclass in dribbling, passing and/or shooting. He would have scored at least two goals if Vincent Enyeama - the Nigeria goalkeeper - was not in such inspired form.

Messi showed enough in an energetic 90 minutes to suggest this could very well be his World Cup.

While Messi was a definite positive for Maradona, Real Madrid marksman Gonzalo Higuain was out of sorts in front of goal and veteran playmaker Juan Veron couldn’t find his passing range, perhaps due to the Jubilani beach ball.

Argentina also needs to show more discipline in defence. When Nigeria managed to construct meaningful attacks, it found it too easy to penetrate the likes of Walter Samuel and Jonas Guttierez. Against better opposition, such lack of concentration could prove costly.

England was slightly better than the United States in their Group C match, however a horrible blunder by goalkeeper Robert Green meant Steven Gerrard’s early strike was cancelled out and the teams ended with a point each.

The howler, an tragically familiar story for England fans, was only part of Fabio Capello’s problems.

With Gareth Barry injured, Gerrard and Frank Lampard were alone in central midfield and once again unable to direct the team. There were very few fluid attacking moves and star striker Wayne Rooney needed to come deeper and deeper as the match wore on to inject himself due to lack of quality service.

In defence, Ledley King - starting in place of injured skipper Rio Ferdinand - let USA players get goalside of him too many times for comfort before being substituted at half-time due to injury. His replacement Jamie Carragher looked completely off the pace. It seems Matthew Upson or Michael Dawson need to be given a run in future games.

Here’s to the many triple headers to come!

The 29-year-old Manchester United midfielder scored as South Korea kicked off its Group B campaign with a comfortable 2-0 win over Greece to set itself up perfectly for the clash with Diego Maradona's men in Johannesburg.

Park said: "Argentina is, of course, the strongest team in our group and people are saying they could make the final. They have a lot of top international players.

"Before the World Cup, we played a friendly against Spain and we thought about Argentina as we were playing that game.

"Of course, there is a lot of difference between the two teams, but the unexpected can happen in this World Cup, and that is what we are looking to do."

South Korea took the lead at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Port Elizabeth with just seven minutes gone when central defender Lee Jung-soo volleyed home Ki Sung-yueng's free-kick, and it never looked like relinquishing the advantage as Greece toiled in the search for an equaliser.

Park's 52nd-minute strike after he capitalised on an error by defender Avraam Papadopoulos secured the points on an afternoon when the Asian side's movement and pace won out over Greece's more direct approach.

Huh Jung-moo, who became the first South Korean-born coach to lead his country to a World Cup finals victory, said: "The first game of any tournament is difficult, but my players really played very well, so I am very grateful.

"But we are just at the beginning now. We have more matches to play and we have to prepare for those games just as well."

Greece boss Otto Rehhagel admitted that his team had been second best on the day.

He said: "We were unlucky in a couple of situations towards the end of the match, but it was a deserved victory for South Korea."

Manchester United midfielder Park Ji-sung helped continue Greece's miserable World Cup record when he struck seven minutes after the break in Port Elizabeth to double his side's advantage following central defender Lee Jung-soo's seventh-minute opener.

Huh Jung-moo's side ultimately ran out comfortable winners in front of an army of its delighted fans among a crowd of 31,513 as Greece's fourth World Cup finals outing ended in the same way as the previous three, with defeat and without a goal scored.

Coach Otto Rehhagel had warned his players in advance to beware South Korea's panther-like qualities, and by the time he got them back into the dressing room at the break, he will have been relieved they had not been mauled further.

It took Korea just seven minutes to get its noses in front in the Group B encounter when Lee Jung-soo met Celtic midfielder Ki Sung-yueng's swinging free-kick unopposed and volleyed it gleefully into the back of the net.

Greece's woes might have increased further with Bolton's Lee Chung-yong astonished not to be awarded a 15th-minute penalty for a clumsy challenge from behind by full-back Vasilis Torosidis as referee Michael Hester waved play on.

But it would have been 2-0 with 28 minutes gone had defender Avraam Papadopoulos not got in a last-ditch challenge on striker Park Chu-young as he shot to allow keeper Alexandros Tzorvas to make a vital block.

Greece had started the game brightly, Torosidis firing wide when he met skipper Georgios Karagounis' second-minute corner with an instinctive half-volley, but it was largely downhill from there.

The anticipated aerial onslaught never materialised as central defenders Lee Jung-soo and Cho Yong-Hyung coped admirably with front two Theofanis Gekas and Angelos Charisteas.

By contrast, Korea was enterprising in its movement and strikers Park Chu-young and Yeom Ki-hun, with support from a fluid midfield quartet, kept the Greek defence at full stretch.

It increased its lead within seven minutes of the restart when Park Ji-sung made the most of Loukas Vyntra's woeful control in the middle of the park to race in on goal, leaving the central defender and partner Papadopoulos for dead before sliding a shot across Tzorvas and into the bottom corner.

Rehhagel, who had replaced Karagounis with Christos Patsatzoglou at the break, withdrew Charisteas and Georgios Samaras in quick succession and asked Dimitrios Salpingidis and Pantelis Kapetanos to find a way back into the game.

But Park Chu-young headed just over from full-back Cha Du-ri's 63rd-minute cross as the Koreans threatened to run riot.

Gekas acrobatically fired high over after controlling a long ball well on his chest with 68 minutes gone and Salpingidis headed weakly at the keeper two minutes later with time fast running out for Greece.

The Hertha Berlin frontman forced a fine one-handed save from Jung with a left-foot shot on the turn with nine minutes remaining, but Yeom, Lee Chung-yong and Kim Jung-woo all went close at the other end as time ran down.

The 71-year-old German has achieved much in his distinguished career and sent shockwaves around Europe when he guided Greece to its stunning Euro 2004 triumph against all the odds.

Six years on, he will at last get a chance to ply his trade on the biggest stage of all having missed out in 2006, and he is looking forward to the challenge, which starts with a Group B opener against Korea Republic in Port Elizabeth.

Rehhagel said: "Some things take their time. I am pleased to take on such a huge challenge. Everything comes in due course."

The Greece coach is nothing if not philosophical and knows a repeat of his team's surprise European championship triumph is unlikely in South Africa.

Indeed, he has warned his players they can take nothing for granted against South Korea in the opening match of what will be a tough group in which Argentina and Nigeria are the leading lights.

Rehhagel said: "Things don't repeat themselves. We have a saying in Greece: 'Ta panta ri' - everything flows.

"In 1962, as far back as that, we travelled through Asia and played against Asian teams and won 6-0, 7-0 or even more.

"But that is long past. The Asian teams have come on massively. They run like panthers and they are very clever when it comes to tactics as well.

"The Asian teams are very disciplined and I told my team this morning 'If you think for a fraction of a second that you can afford not to pay attention, you will be badly punished."

Both Greece and South Korea head into their first game of the finals knowing victory is a must if they are to progress.

But while the opening goal might prove crucial, Rehhagel insists that conceding it would not necessarily be fatal.

He said: "You can't say that. I think about Liverpool [against AC Milan in the 2005 Champions League final]. They were 3-0 down at one point and still lifted the trophy at the end.

"In football matches, everybody can achieve the unthinkable. Football is unpredictable and, sometimes, miracles happen.

"We don't know what is going to happen tomorrow. We just have to hope for ourselves, and the Koreans will do the same. That's the way it is."

Skipper Georgios Karagounis was part of the side which went all the way in Portugal in 2004, perhaps one of those miracles to which his coach was referring.

However, he knows that history will count for little this time around.

The 33-year-old Panathinaikos midfielder said: "I really believe in this team, we have proved that this is a great team.

"But of course, the past is the past. Tomorrow's game is very important and we have to prove our qualities.

"We are a very ambitious team. Thanks to our ambition, we qualified.

"We are here, we are very ambitious and I really believe we are more than ready, and we are ready to show this on the pitch tomorrow."

Like his captain, striker Angelos Charisteas was part of the success at Euro 2004, and he has warned his team-mates to be wary of South Korea's collective spirit.

Asked to identify potential dangermen, the 30-year-old said: "South Korea does not rely on one or two players, it's a team, it's a real team, and that is their strength.

"They have developed their game as a team, their tactics involve all the players and they work perfectly as a team."

The unidentified trio reported money had been taken from their rooms at the Beverly Hills Hotel in Umhlanga, north of Durban.

However, the team has moved to play down concerns with team spokesman Michael Tsapidis adding the players were not upset by the theft and were "extremely satisfied" with the way the hotel had responded.

"In our opinion this is not such a big deal. This incident is something that could happen anywhere in the world," Tsapidis told a press conference.

Handed a tough draw in a group featuring Argentina and Nigeria, the Euro 2004 winner knows a positive result is essential against the 2002 World Cup co-host if it is to maintain its hopes of progressing to the knockout stage.

And Panathinaikos defender Spyropoulos is in no doubt about the task ahead, starting this weekend in Port Elizabeth.

"As everybody knows, the first match is the crunch match," he told South Africa's Supersport. "It's essential to get a winning result.

"We will have to deal with a very disciplined team. I hope that on Saturday we'll be as fit as possible to achieve that goal."

Midfielder Christos Patsatzoglou concurred with his teammate.

"All the players are living a dream because the World Cup is the greatest tournament in the world," he said.

"We know we have a key game against South Korea. If we win, we are in a position to try to qualify for the next round.

"It's very important not to lose, everybody knows that."

Patsatzoglou expects Manchester United midfielder Park Ji-sung to be South Korea's main threat.

"Park is definitely their top player," he said. "We've seen lots of DVDs of South Korea, but not only of Park in action.

"All their players are good and work well as a team. It's important for us to be focused and get the win."

The Greek side had completed its training session and was about to leave the plush boys school in north Durban where it was held when extra police with sniffer dogs arrived to seek out what the package contained.

Police were able to promptly remove the package, which had been delivered to a volunteer at the gate of Northwood School but had not been scanned.

Greece open its World Cup campaign against Korea Republic on Saturday evening (AEST). Hellas then plays Nigeria in Bloemfontein on June 18 (AEST) and rounds off its Group B games against Argentina five days later in Polokwane.

While Argentina is favourite in Group B, the door is open for any of the other three teams to advance with it.

Nigeria has been weakened by injury, while Greece would generally be favoured over Korea Republic, so Rehhagel is determined to make sure it is his side that goes through.

"It is a unique experience to participate in a World Cup," Rehhagel said.

"But we are going there not to just enjoy taking part. There is great enthusiasm in the team and the atmosphere is excellent."

Samaras could come up against young midfielder Ki on June 13 (AEST) when Greece takes on South Korea in the third game of the finals.

Samaras was conspicuous by his absence as the striker's Celtic teammates gave Ki their best wishes at the behest of manager Neil Lennon when he left Parkhead early to prepare for the tournament.

"After the Rangers game, Lenny announced that Ki was leaving to go to the World Cup and to say good luck," Samaras told www.celticfc.net.

"So everyone was going to him and saying good luck. It was me and Ki standing next to each other in the dressing room and I was like, 'Don't wait for me to give you best wishes or my hand - you are my enemy from now on.

"'The game against Rangers is finished and we won and I was glad about that, but from now, don't look at me. I don't want to know you'.

"But it's all good fun. He is a great character and a good footballer and I am just looking forward to the first game."

Vera easily slotted home a rebound in the ninth minute after a shot from Roque Santa Cruz hit the bar.

Santa Cruz again threatened in the 25th and his shot was stopped by Greek goalkeeper Alexandros Tzorvas, but Barrios drove in the loose ball to make it 2-0.

Greece - joined by newly-fit defenders Giourkas Seitaridis and Vassilis Torossidis - nearly pulled one back shortly afterward, when 19-year-old playmaker Sotiris Ninis pushed forward.

Ninis set up Dimitris Salpingidis to tap the ball past Paraguay keeper Justo Villar in the 32nd minute but the effort was ruled offside.

Greece posed little threat to Villar, while the South American team slowed in the second half and pressed its opponent on the break.

Substitute Edgar Benitez placed a header just over the bar in the 68th, meeting a well taken cross from Aureliano Torres.

Greece faces South Korea in its opening match. Nigeria and Argentina are also in Group B.

Paraguay takes on Italy, New Zealand and Slovakia in Group F.

German coach Otto Rehhagel had concerns over the pair, with former Porto defender Seitaridis playing just eight league games for Panathinaikos this season while a knee injury kept the versatile Patsatzoglou, who plays for Cypriot club Omonia Nicosia, out of the majority of the World Cup qualifying campaign.

The star of the show in qualifying was Fanis Gekas, with 10 goals, and he has been included in Rehhagel's squad as Greece go in search of its first points and goals in a World Cup finals in South Africa after three straight defeats in its previous finals appearance in 1994.

Hellas faces Korea Republic, Nigeria and Argentina in Group B, but first it will take on Paraguay in a warm-up match in Switzerland on Thursday morning (AEST).

Greece World Cup squad: Michalis Sifakis (Aris Salonika), Alexandros Tzorvas (Panathinaikos), Kostas Chalkias (AEK Athens); Giourkas Seitaridis (Panathinaikos), Loukas Vyntra (Panathinaikos), Vangelis Moras (Bologna), Sokratis Papastathopoulos (Genoa), Sotirios Kyrgiakos (Liverpool), Avraam Papadopoulos (Olympiacos), Vassilis Torosidis (Olympiacos), Nikos Spiropoulos (Panathinaikos), Stelios Malezas (PAOK Salonika); Kostas Katsouranis (Panathinaikos), Alexandros Tziolis (Siena), Giorgos Karagounis (Panathinaikos), Sotiris Ninis (Panathinaikos), Christos Patsatzoglou (Omonia Nicosia), Sakis Prittas (Aris Salonika); Angelos Charisteas (Nurnberg), Dimitris Salpingidis (Panathinaikos), Pantelis Kapetanos (Steaua Bucharest), Fanis Gekas (Eintracht Frankfurt), Georgios Samaras (Celtic).

Greece took the lead in Altach, in western Vorarlberg, after two minutes with a goal by Kostas Katsouranis, who vowed to cheer his debt-stricken country up with a good performance in South Africa at the finals.

But North Korea's Japan-based striker Jong Tae-Se levelled the score after 24 minutes.

Jong, nicknamed 'Asia's Rooney' after England's star striker, was on hand again after Greece regained the lead three minutes into the second half with a goal by striker Angelos Charisteas.

Four minutes later, the Kawasaki Frontale striker brought the score level once more, depriving Otto Rehhegal's Greeks victory in front of some 3,000 spectators.

Jong Tae-Se, who has been training in the Swiss resort of Anzere with his team-mates, has already vowed to bag a goal in every group game at the World Cup next month.

North Korea, ranked just 106th in the world and making its first appearance at the finals since 1966, is up against five-time champion Brazil, 2006 semi-finalist Portugal and African giant Cote d'Ivoire in the so-called group of death, Group G.

Greece will face two-time champion Argentina, African heavyweight Nigeria and 2002 semi-finalist Korea Republic in the group stage.

Greece continues its build-up to the South Africa showpiece with a friendly against Korea DPR in Austria on Tuesday (Wednesday AEST) with veteran midfielder Karagounis determined to make the most of mixing it with the world's best.

The Panathinaikos star said: "Let's go to the World Cup to have fun and have a good time. And then you try to get into the next phase.

"We will try to do everything possible (to make that happen)."

Karagounis also talked up the ability of Celtic striker Georgios Samaras but dismissed suggestions Otto Rehhagel's side relied too much on the 25-year-old.

"He is a good player but we have others. We have a good team, not relying on one player.

"Our strength is overall but Samaras is a good footballer."

Cameroon will be without captain Samuel Eto'o when it takes on Georgia in Lienz.

The Inter Milan striker is being afforded a week-long rest after helping the Nerazzurri win the Champions League with a 2-0 victory over Bayern Munich last weekend.

Eto'o will join the squad when it moves its training base to Portugal at the end of the month.

World Cup qualifiers Nigeria and Paraguay are also in action on Tuesday (Wednesday AEST).

Nigeria meets Saudi Arabia in Wattens, Austria while Paraguay takes on the Republic of Ireland in Dublin.

The Greeks, who were drawn in Group B alongside Argentina, Nigeria and Korea Republic, will arrive in South Africa on June 4 and stay at Umhlanga for up to 20 days, training at nearby KwaZulu-Natal University.

Prior to their arrival in South Africa, the team will hold training camps in Athens between May 16-23 and at Bad Ragaz in Switzerland between May 24-June 3.

And few had faith in the 71-year-old coach turning a 0-0 result at home with Ukraine in the World Cup 2010 qualification play-off match into a victory and sending the Greeks to only their second berth in a World Cup - they also qualified in 1994 - in midweek in cold Donetsk.

Yet 'King Otto' as he is called returned in the early hours of Thursday, local time, with his team in triumph.

He quietly left the airport without making any comments but stopped to sign some autographs to the few fans who came to see the team return.

The 1-0 victory over favoured Ukraine was Rehhagel's 100th match as coach of the Greek squad and was celebrated with a surprise birthday cake from his players onboard the charter plane bringing them back to Athens.

"He is a man with few words. He is very happy for making it to the World Cup and was very touched by the surprise from the team," said Greek Football Federation (EPO) president Sophocles Pilavios upon arriving with the players from Ukraine.

Rehhagel had been heavily criticised in the Greek press for keeping too many of his players from the successful Euro 2004 team and for inviting other players who were not getting playing time with their clubs.

And when the Greeks failed to qualify directly to the 2010 World Cup in what was considered an 'easy group' the critics were harsher.

"This team knows how to give answers when it receives criticism. On numerous occasions we have shown that in difficult times we have managed well," said Greek striker Angelos Charisteas.

He said he has lived great moments on the team, including winning Euro 2004, but that 'this moment is the most significant in my career'.

Charisteas continued: "As we played against Ukraine there was no way they would score a goal. I believe we showed the character that we know. We defended well without giving up a goal, we scored one goal and won the match."

Midfielder Kostas Katsouranis said that the criticism was beneficial to the team.

"Let there be criticism, but its best to think before talking. We had reached the point where they would kill us if we did not qualify," Katsouranis said.

He added that on the pitch 'we did exactly what we planned after the match in Athens, to score and to keep them from scoring. With some slight improvements, we are capable of something good in South Africa'.

Midfielder Giorgos Karagounis said many people underestimated the team.

"We had heavy criticism which did us some good. But at the end we showed character. It was a big win and we dedicate it to all the Greeks," Karagounis said.

He added: "We never said we play super football, but we have accomplished a lot."